Halesworth dementia charity Highly Commended at Norfolk & Suffolk Health and Care Awards 2026
Halesworth Dementia Carers' Fund (HDCF) has been named Highly Commended in the Treatment to Prevention category at the Norfolk & Suffolk Health and Care Awards 2026, in recognition of the difference its volunteer-led model is making to local families living with dementia.
The awards celebrate excellence and innovation across health and social care in the two counties, with entries judged by an independent panel against a strong field of regional providers and organisations. HDCF's recognition reflects the charity's community-based approach: free, in-home respite care, a weekly Day Centre, and a programme of activities, including a singing group, yoga and a memory café, all delivered largely by volunteers and designed to support carers before crisis point, rather than after it.
Nicky Kelly, Chair of Trustees at HDCF, said:
“This recognition belongs to every volunteer, carer and supporter who makes our work possible. Being Highly Commended alongside so many excellent health and care organisations across Norfolk and Suffolk is a real honour, and a welcome validation of an approach we believe should be central to how dementia care is delivered locally, reaching families early, before pressure builds on carers or on statutory services. We're enormously grateful to the judges, and to everyone in our community who helps us do this work, week in and week out.”
The award adds to a strong recent run of external recognition for HDCF, including a Highly Commended award from the Journal of Dementia Care and finalist status in the Respite and Carer Support category at the UK Dementia Awards.
HDCF is a small, largely volunteer-run charity based at the Patrick Stead Day Care Centre in Halesworth, Suffolk. It provides free support to people living with dementia and their carers across the local area, funded entirely through grants, fundraising and community donations.
